Test

(Cinderella played Japan during August of 1987. Just a little hint. And the whole plan idea, that would be more of a Fred thing. But hey, Tom can be cute sometimes, too.)

Kayla leaned back in the passenger seat of Tom's car and looked through the open window to the sunny sky. It was hard to believe summer was over and Tom was leaving. His fingers lightly stroked the inside of her palm and she closed her eyes, liking the warmth of the sun on her face and the feel of Tom so near.

The state park on the other side of Garver Lake was quiet for a Friday afternoon. It was perfect for today.

"Do you really have to go?" Kayla asked Tom.

"Yeah."

Just a few short months ago, Tom had been recording in the studio. everything sounded so... official, like he was coming into things far too quickly.

Why couldn't they just stay here like this forever?

"It's only like ten weeks before break."

Kayla bit the inside of her cheek. She looked away form he sky and glanced at Tom. "What's going to happen to us?"

Tom stopped rubbing her hand. "I'd like to think nothing would happen. I don't want to break up, if that's what you're thinking."

He was so serious right now, it was almost scary.

"You think we can make a long-distance relationship work?"

"Are you kidding?" Tom wove his fingers through hers. "If anyone can do long-distance, we can."

Kayla nodded, but she knew to expect the unexpected. There were a hundred what-ifs to consider. What if Tom found another girl in Japan. Or what if he spent months away from her and fell out of love? What if she fell out of love?

The idea made her ill because she loved Tom that much.

He reached over the console and took her in his arms. He ran his hand over her hair. "I love you."

They sat there like that for a long time, or what felt like a long time. Kayla didn't want to let him go, but she knew he had to leave soon.

"I should go," she said. She got out of the car. She'd driven her car to the park and met Tom there. He got out, too.

"So this is it," she said.

"No, this is the beginning."

Kayla frowned. "To what?"

"To the next step of Tom's Four Step Relationship Program. First comes love, then comes separation, then comes marriage and babies. I have it all figured out."

She laughed and wrapped her arms around his neck. "I'm going to miss you."

He hugged her back. "Me, too. Promise you'll call me often."

"I will."

He kissed her softly at first, then tightened his arms around her. "I love you, Kay."

"I love you, too."

They waved good-bye and climbed into their vehicles. Tom was the first to pull out of the parking lot, his car disappearing around a bend in the road. Kayla stared after him, wishing he'd come back, wishing he'd change his mind and stay with her.

Anxious butterflies filled her stomach.

He wasn't coming back-that she knew-but it wouldn't stop her from hoping.